A 77-year-old man from Pieta has died at Mater Dei Hospital after having been taken ill while swimming at Għadira Bay this afternoon.
Bathers had tried frantically to save the life.
The man was brought to shore by the owner of a dinghy who noticed that he was in difficulties.
People on Tunnara Promenade (near the Tunny Net) administered first aid, and they were quickly assisted by staff from a nearby diving club who also supplied oxygen until an ambulance crew took over.
The man, who appeared to be unconscious, was taken to hospital in an ambulance, where he passed away.
An autopsy is being held tomorrow.